Reports that officers were having sex with teens not investigated until evidence appeared, Cleveland’s assistant chief says

Cleveland Assistant Police Chief Gary Hicks

The assistant police chief in Cleveland, Tenn., says there were “no facts or evidence” in May of 2008 to start investigating whether some officers were having sex with teenage girls and giving them pills and alcohol.

In an emailed statement, Assistant Chief Gary Hicks said that, “in May of 2008, after consulting with Chief Snyder, I had a meeting with the four officers that were rumored to be conducting themselves in behaviors unbecoming and unacceptable. There were no facts or evidence, at that time, to support the rumors.

“Over the next few months, the situation was monitored. Once facts supported rumor, Chief Snyder launched an Internal Affairs investigation that led to the dismissal and prosecution of three officers of this department.

“From May, 2008 until the conclusion of the investigation, Chief Snyder handled this situation appropriately.”